In a strong display of community spirit, Australian bowls clubs stepped up and offered crucial support for members and the public during Ex-Cyclone Alfred.
When south-east Queensland faced widespread damage from winds and heavy rain, many bowls clubs rose to the occasion and demonstrated an extraordinary spirit of unity.
In spite of the chaos, clubs provided shelter, essential services, and social support, becoming lifelines for their communities as they enacted their emergency plans.
Paradise Point Bowls Club, which had organised with sponsors to secure a generator prior to the storm, was one example.
The club’s general manager Katrina Vidal said they were able to become a community hub for those who had been displaced and were in need of support.
“We lost power, and when safe to do so we opened as a community hub, providing a charging station for devices such as mobile phones and medical equipment,” she told Bowls Australia.
“There were also hot meals, cold drinks, lots of conversations shared and even new friendships made.
“Our fantastic staff who had no power themselves turned up and worked like soldiers to open each morning to provide breakfast and coffees.”
Similarly, Club Helensvale opened its doors for the community, and despite having no power still put on regular free sausage sizzles.
While most clubs escaped serious damage, Southport Bowls Club lost six solar panels following the winds, which caused damage to both the roof and the green. Nambour Bowls Club also fell foul of the cyclone, experiencing flooding.
Yet clean ups and working bees have already been organised for these and other affected clubs, with volunteers helping to repair the damage, showcasing the resilience of the bowls community.
South Queensland Club Support Manager Troy Corba said there were many examples of this community spirit.
“It has been heartening to hear of clubs, who despite their own challenges and issues, have opened their doors to their local communities to provide shelter, amenities and support.
“These types of events bring communities together, and the bowls community always shines with its strength, resilience and camaraderie.”
However, the clubs and their communities are not alone.
Bowls Australia encourages impacted clubs to contact their relevant Club Support Manager for support, and the Queensland government has now opened its Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program for applications.
The government grant offers up to $5,000 for eligible sport and active recreation organisations located in those areas declared a disaster.
Funding applications are open, up to three months after the end of the event, and clubs are encouraged to begin the application as soon as possible to ensure their success.
